murky clouds

USAGE SUMMARY

'murky clouds' is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it to describe a cloudy sky, for example: "The murky clouds filled the sky, obscuring the sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Chicago's skyline disappeared into murky clouds.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If there is a silver lining to this murky cloud, it is the West Indies, the chief beneficiaries of Stanford's dalliance with the game, going on to win two World T20 tournaments.

The Guardian - Sport

Overhead a murky cloud of smog hung in the sky and reduced the sun to a gray lifeless ball.

Huffington Post

Though I know the latter will loom heavy like murky billowing clouds during rainy season.

Huffington Post

"It was a nauseating, thick, eerie, murky, chokeable cloud".

The New York Times

A murky bank of clouds crept slowly but steadily across the sky.

The New Yorker

When I looked up, the sun was murky white behind sunrise clouds that pelted us with winter's last flurries.

The New York Times

Moments later, the team saw clouds of murky water and bubbles being expelled from the sides of the seals' mouths.

The Economist

Strong responses to "normal" climate variability such as that related to the El Niño/La Niña events of the southern Pacific make the picture very muddled.Uncertainty about deforestation and subsequent regrowth of plants clouds this murky image still further.

The Economist

Géricault's palette is composed of pallid flesh tones, and the murky colours of the survivors' clothes, the sea and the clouds.

Wikipedia

As quickly as you can push a button, messages both dumb and mean can cover the Internet like pond scum, clouding the murky waters of truth and destroying lives and careers.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "murky clouds" to effectively set a scene with a specific atmosphere. The adjective "murky" adds a layer of sensory detail, evoking a sense of obscurity or dreariness that simply "cloudy" might miss.

Common error

Avoid using "murky clouds" to describe a scene where the clouds are meant to be light or ethereal. The word "murky" implies darkness and lack of clarity, so it doesn't suit descriptions of fluffy or bright clouds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "murky clouds" primarily functions as a descriptive element, enriching the narrative with sensory details. According to Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct phrase. It helps to create a visual image for the reader or listener.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "murky clouds" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to describe a sky filled with dark, unclear clouds, often implying a gloomy or ominous atmosphere. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media, but also appears in a variety of other contexts. When using this phrase, remember that "murky" adds a specific layer of darkness and obscurity, making it unsuitable for descriptions of light or bright cloud formations. Consider alternatives like "overcast skies" or "dim clouds" if a less intense image is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dim clouds

Substitutes "murky" with "dim", emphasizing the lack of light and reduced visibility.

darkened clouds

Replaces "murky" with "darkened", stressing the process of the clouds becoming darker.

overcast skies

Replaces "murky clouds" with a focus on the overall sky condition being covered and dull.

gray clouds

Focuses on color by using "gray" instead of "murky", indicating a dull and lifeless atmosphere.

gloomy skies

Changes "murky clouds" to a broader expression that reflects the dark and depressing weather.

obscured clouds

Focuses on the obscuring quality of the clouds; replacing "murky" which implies lack of clarity.

somber clouds

Uses "somber" to describe the clouds, emphasizing their gloomy and serious atmosphere.

stormy clouds

Replaces "murky" with "stormy", highlighting the turbulent and threatening nature of the clouds.

heavy clouds

Replaces "murky" with "heavy", indicating the weight and density of the clouds.

turbid clouds

Replaces "murky" with "turbid", giving a more technical, almost scientific feel, while maintaining the sense of density and opacity.

FAQs

How can I use "murky clouds" in a sentence?

You can use "murky clouds" to describe a dull or gloomy sky, such as: "The "murky clouds" threatened rain all afternoon" or "The sun struggled to penetrate the "murky clouds" overhead".

What are some synonyms for "murky clouds"?

Alternatives include "overcast skies", "dim clouds", or "gloomy skies", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "murky clouds" grammatically correct?

Yes, "murky clouds" is a grammatically correct phrase, combining the adjective "murky" to describe the noun "clouds".

What does "murky" mean in the context of "murky clouds"?

In this context, "murky" means dark, gloomy, and lacking clarity. It suggests that the clouds are thick, heavy, and obscuring light.